[Evolution of antimicrobial resistance and mortality in Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis during 15 years in a university hospital]. / Evolución de la resistencia antimicrobiana y mortalidad en la endocarditis por Staphylococcus aureus durante 15 años en un hospital universitario.

OBJECTIVE: One of the most aggressive microorganisms in infective endocarditis (IE) is Staphylococcus aureus. We analyse the resistance of S. aureus to antibiotics and its impact on the clinical course of IE in a recent 15-year period. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with IE in a university hospital from 2005 to 2019. Bivariate and multivariate analysis of severity at admission, comorbidities, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and mortality. RESULTS: Of the 293 IE cases, 66 (22.5%) were due to S. aureus, and 21 (7.2%) were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The prevalence of strains with a MIC to vancomycin ≥ 1mg/L increased from 4.8% to 63.6% (p <0.001) and the cases of MRSA from 38 to 27.3% (p = 0.045). Older age (p= 0.02), comorbidity (p <0.01) and nosohusial origin (p = 0.01), were factors associated with MRSA. But the antimicrobial resistance and severity on admission were not associated with exitus; predictive factors were the right-sided IE (OR = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01-0.51), comorbidities (OR per Charlson index point = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.01-1.69) and creatinine on admission (OR per mg / dL = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.01- 2.35; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: We have experienced an increase in IE cases with MIC to vancomycin ≥ 1mg/L, without significant variation in infections due to MRSA. Antimicrobial resistance was not associated with mortality, but comorbidity and left involvement were predictive factors.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospitalizations for acute coronary syndromes: a multinational study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has challenged the health system organization requiring a fast reorganization of diagnostic/therapeutic pathways for patients affected by time-dependent diseases such as acute coronary syndromes (ACS). AIM: To describe ACS hospitalizations, management, and complication rate before and after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared. DESIGN: Ecological retrospective study. Methods: We analyzed aggregated epidemiological data of all patients > 18 years old admitted for ACS in twenty-nine hub cardiac centers from 17 Countries across 4 continents, from December 1st, 2019 to April 15th, 2020. Data from December 2018 to April 2019 were used as historical period. RESULTS: A significant overall trend for reduction in the weekly number of ACS hospitalizations was observed (20.2%; 95% confidence interval CI [1.6, 35.4] P = 0.04). The incidence rate reached a 54% reduction during the second week of April (incidence rate ratio: 0.46, 95% CI [0.36, 0.58]) and was also significant when compared to the same months in 2019 (March and April, respectively IRR: 0.56, 95%CI [0.48, 0.67]; IRR: 0.43, 95%CI [0.32, 0.58] p < 0.001). A significant increase in door-to-balloon, door-to-needle, and total ischemic time (p <0.04 for all) in STEMI patents were reported during pandemic period. Finally, the proportion of patients with mechanical complications was higher (1.98% vs. 0.98%; P = 0.006) whereas GRACE risk score was not different. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a significant decrease in ACS hospitalizations rate, an increase in total ischemic time and a higher rate of mechanical complications on a international scale.

Estrategia invasiva precoz ajustada al riesgo en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación de segmento ST en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos Cardiológicos / Risk-adjusted early invasive strategy in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome in Intensive Cardiac Care Units

OBJETIVO: Las guías de práctica clínica recomiendan la estrategia invasiva precoz ajustada al riesgo (EIPAR) en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST (SCASEST). El objetivo fue analizar la aplicación de la EIPAR, sus condicionantes e impacto sobre el pronóstico en pacientes con SCASEST ingresados en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos Cardiológicos (UCIC). DISEÑO: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo. ÁMBITO: UCIC de 8 hospitales en Cataluña. PACIENTES: Pacientes consecutivos con SCASEST entre octubre del 2017 y marzo del 2018. El perfil de riesgo se definió mediante los criterios de la Sociedad Europea de Cardiología. INTERVENCIONES: Se definió como EIPAR la realización de coronariografía en las primeras 6 h en pacientes de muy alto riesgo o en 24 h en pacientes de alto riesgo. VARIABLES DE INTERÉS: Mortalidad/reingreso a los 6 meses. RESULTADOS: Se incluyó a 629 pacientes (edad media 66,6 años), 225 (35,9%) de muy alto riesgo y 392 (62,6%) de alto riesgo. La estrategia invasiva fue mayoritaria (96,2%). La EIPAR se aplicó en 284 pacientes (45,6%), especialmente pacientes más jóvenes, con menos comorbilidades. Estos pacientes presentaron menor estancia en UCIC y hospitalaria, así como menor incidencia de SCA, revascularizaciones y menor incidencia de muerte/reingreso a 6 meses. Tras ajustar por factores de confusión, la asociación entre adherencia y muerte/reingreso a 6 meses persistió de manera significativa (razón de riesgos: 0,66 [0,45-0,97] p = 0,035). CONCLUSIONES: La EIPAR se aplica en una minoría de SCASEST ingresados en UCIC, asociándose con una menor incidencia de eventos

OBJECTIVE: Current guidelines recommend a risk-adjusted early invasive strategy (EIS) in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS). The present study assesses the application if this strategy, the conditioning factors and prognostic impact upon patients with NSTEACS admitted to Intensive Cardiac Care Units (ICCU). DESIGN: A prospective cohort study was carried out. SETTING: The ICCUs of 8 hospitals in Catalonia (Spain). PATIENTS: Consecutive patients with NSTEACS between October 2017 and March 2018. The risk profile was defined by the European Society of Cardiology criteria. INTERVENTIONS: EIS was defined as the performance of coronary angiography within the first 6hours in patients at very high-risk or within 24hours in high-risk patients. OUTCOME VARIABLES: Mortality or readmission at 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 629 patients were included (mean age 66.6 years), of whom 225 (35.9%) were at very high risk, and 392 (62.6%) at high risk. Most patients (96.2%) underwent an invasive strategy. EIS was performed in 284 patients (45.6%), especially younger patients with fewer comorbidities. These patients had a shorter ICCU and hospital stay, as well as a lesser incidence of ACS, revascularization and death or readmission at 6 months. After adjusting for confounders, the association between EIS and death or readmission at 6 months remained significant (hazard ratio: .66, 95% confidence interval .45-.97; P=.035). CONCLUSIONS: The EIS was performed in a minority of NSTEACS admitted to ICCU, being associated with better outcomes

Risk-adjusted early invasive strategy in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome in Intensive Cardiac Care Units. / Estrategia invasiva precoz ajustada al riesgo en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación de segmento ST en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos Cardiológicos.

OBJECTIVE: Current guidelines recommend a risk-adjusted early invasive strategy (EIS) in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS). The present study assesses the application if this strategy, the conditioning factors and prognostic impact upon patients with NSTEACS admitted to Intensive Cardiac Care Units (ICCU). DESIGN: A prospective cohort study was carried out. SETTING: The ICCUs of 8 hospitals in Catalonia (Spain). PATIENTS: Consecutive patients with NSTEACS between October 2017 and March 2018. The risk profile was defined by the European Society of Cardiology criteria. INTERVENTIONS: EIS was defined as the performance of coronary angiography within the first 6hours in patients at very high-risk or within 24hours in high-risk patients. OUTCOME VARIABLES: Mortality or readmission at 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 629 patients were included (mean age 66.6 years), of whom 225 (35.9%) were at very high risk, and 392 (62.6%) at high risk. Most patients (96.2%) underwent an invasive strategy. EIS was performed in 284 patients (45.6%), especially younger patients with fewer comorbidities. These patients had a shorter ICCU and hospital stay, as well as a lesser incidence of ACS, revascularization and death or readmission at 6 months. After adjusting for confounders, the association between EIS and death or readmission at 6 months remained significant (hazard ratio: .66, 95% confidence interval .45-.97; P=.035). CONCLUSIONS: The EIS was performed in a minority of NSTEACS admitted to ICCU, being associated with better outcomes.

Inelastic Collisions of O2 with He at Low Temperatures.

Rotationally inelastic collisions of O2 with He in the 10-34 K thermal range are investigated by means of an experimental procedure based on supersonic gas jets probed by Raman spectroscopy. The procedure employs a kinetic master equation (MEQ) that describes the time evolution of the rotational populations of O2 along supersonic jets of O2 and He mixtures. The MEQ is expressed in terms of experimental quantities (number density and rotational populations) measured here, and state-to-state rate coefficients for the O2:He inelastic collisions calculated here, plus those for O2:O2 collisions from the literature. An agreement with the experiments is accomplished for temperatures between 10 and 34 K. Within this thermal range, the role of the fine structure due to electron spin in the collision dynamics of O2 is discussed.

Analisis de actividad del Equipo de Terapia Intravenosa en el Hospital Universitario Donostia (2011-2017)La competencia política enfermera / Analysis of the the intravenous therapy team activity at the Donostia University Hospital (2011-2017) and the maintenance/sealing protocol of average and long-term catheter

Un porcentaje muy alto de pacientes hospitalizados (se estima más de un 90 %) requiere un acceso vascular durante su ingreso para administración de medicación, extracción de analíticas, soporte hematológico, nutrición parenteral, etc. Como profesionales enfermeros se nos plantea un reto importante a la hora de implantar nuevos dispositivos (líneas medias, catéteres centrales de inserción periférica, reservorios braquiales...) con nuevas técnicas (inserción ecoguiada, tunelización...) y, si cabe y más importante aún, el mantenimiento de estos para conseguir un correcto funcionamiento y evitar las complicaciones derivadas de su uso

A very high percentage of hospitalized patients (estimated to be more than 90 %) re-quire vascular access during their admission for medication administration, analytical extraction, hematological support, parenteral nutrition, etc. As nursing professionals, we face an important challenge when implanting new de-vices (midlines, peripherally insertion central catheters, brachial reservoirs...) with new techniques (echoguided insertion, tunneling...) and if possible and more important the maintenance of these to get a correct operation and avoid complications arising from its use

Accurate prediction of X-ray pulse properties from a free-electron laser using machine learning.

Free-electron lasers providing ultra-short high-brightness pulses of X-ray radiation have great potential for a wide impact on science, and are a critical element for unravelling the structural dynamics of matter. To fully harness this potential, we must accurately know the X-ray properties: intensity, spectrum and temporal profile. Owing to the inherent fluctuations in free-electron lasers, this mandates a full characterization of the properties for each and every pulse. While diagnostics of these properties exist, they are often invasive and many cannot operate at a high-repetition rate. Here, we present a technique for circumventing this limitation. Employing a machine learning strategy, we can accurately predict X-ray properties for every shot using only parameters that are easily recorded at high-repetition rate, by training a model on a small set of fully diagnosed pulses. This opens the door to fully realizing the promise of next-generation high-repetition rate X-ray lasers.

Historia clínica electrónica: evolución de la relación médico-paciente en la consulta de Atención Primaria / Electronic medical records: evolution of physician-patient relationship in the Primary Care clinic

Introducción. La historia clínica electrónica y los soportes informáticos en la consulta han modificado la relación médico-paciente. Este tipo de historia ofrece múltiples ventajas, aunque dudamos del protagonismo que ha adquirido el ordenador, que ha pasado de ser una herramienta de trabajo a ser el centro de nuestra atención durante la entrevista clínica, disminuyendo la interacción con el paciente. El objetivo del estudio fue estimar el tiempo empleado por el médico de familia en el manejo del soporte informático frente al dedicado a la comunicación interpersonal durante cada consulta y si se modifica en función de variables como la edad del médico o el motivo de consulta. Material y métodos. Realizamos un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, donde participaron 2 centros de salud durante 10 semanas. El investigador asistió a todas las consultas, registrando la hora de entrada y salida del paciente de la consulta. Se cronometró cada vez que el médico fijaba su mirada en los soportes informáticos. Resultados. Se recogieron 436 consultas. Los médicos miraron los soportes informáticos una mediana del 38,33% de la duración total de una consulta. Los mayores de 45 años dedicaron más tiempo a fijar su vista en los soportes informáticos (p<0,05). Conclusión. Los médicos de familia utilizaron casi un 40% del tiempo de la consulta en mirar los soportes informáticos, variando según edad del médico, número de motivos de consulta y pacientes citados (AU)

Introduction. The introduction of electronic medical records and computer media in clinics, has influenced the physician-patient relationship. These modifications have many advantages, but there is concern that the computer has become too important, going from a working tool to the centre of our attention during the clinical interview, decreasing doctor interaction with the patient. The objective of the study was to estimate the percentage of time that family physicians spend on computer media compared to interpersonal communication with the patient, and whether this time is modified depending on different variables such as, doctor's age or reason for the consultation. Material and methods. An observational and descriptive study was conducted for 10 weeks, with 2 healthcare centres involved. The researchers attended all doctor- patient interviews, recording the patient time in and out of the consultation. Each time the doctor fixed his gaze on computer media the time was clocked. Results. A total of 436 consultations were collected. The doctors looked at the computer support a median 38.33% of the total duration of an interview. Doctors of 45 years and older spent more time fixing their eyes on computer media (P<.05). Conclusions. Family physicians used almost 40% of the consultation time looking at computer media, and depends on age of physician, number of queries, and number of medical appointments (AU)

BDNF and AMPA receptors in the cNTS modulate the hyperglycemic reflex after local carotid body NaCN stimulation.

The application of sodium cyanide (NaCN) to the carotid body receptors (CBR) (CBR stimulation) induces rapid blood hyperglycemia and an increase in brain glucose retention. The commissural nucleus tractus solitarius (cNTS) is an essential relay nucleus in this hyperglycemic reflex; it receives glutamatergic afferents (that also release brain derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF) from the nodose-petrosal ganglia that relays CBR information. Previous work showed that AMPA in NTS blocks hyperglycemia and brain glucose retention after CBR stimulation. In contrast, BDNF, which attenuates glutamatergic AMPA currents in NTS, enhances these glycemic responses. Here we investigated the combined effects of BDNF and AMPA (and their antagonists) in NTS on the glycemic responses to CBR stimulation. Microinjections of BDNF plus AMPA into the cNTS before CBR stimulation in anesthetized rats, induced blood hyperglycemia and an increase in brain arteriovenous (a-v) of blood glucose concentration difference, which we infer is due to increased brain glucose retention. By contrast, the microinjection of the TrkB antagonist K252a plus AMPA abolished the glycemic responses to CBR stimulation similar to what is observed after AMPA pretreatments. In BDNF plus AMPA microinjections preceding CBR stimulation, the number of c-fos immunoreactive cNTS neurons increased. In contrast, in the rats microinjected with K252a plus AMPA in NTS, before CBR stimulation, c-fos expression in cNTS decreased. The expression of AMPA receptors GluR2/3 did not change in any of the studied groups. These results indicate that BDNF in cNTS plays a key role in the modulation of the hyperglycemic reflex initiated by CBR stimulation.

[Electronic medical records: Evolution of physician-patient relationship in the Primary Care clinic]. / Historia clínica electrónica: evolución de la relación médico-paciente en la consulta de Atención Primaria.

INTRODUCTION: The introduction of electronic medical records and computer media in clinics, has influenced the physician-patient relationship. These modifications have many advantages, but there is concern that the computer has become too important, going from a working tool to the centre of our attention during the clinical interview, decreasing doctor interaction with the patient. The objective of the study was to estimate the percentage of time that family physicians spend on computer media compared to interpersonal communication with the patient, and whether this time is modified depending on different variables such as, doctor's age or reason for the consultation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational and descriptive study was conducted for 10 weeks, with 2 healthcare centres involved. The researchers attended all doctor- patient interviews, recording the patient time in and out of the consultation. Each time the doctor fixed his gaze on computer media the time was clocked. RESULTS: A total of 436 consultations were collected. The doctors looked at the computer support a median 38.33% of the total duration of an interview. Doctors of 45 years and older spent more time fixing their eyes on computer media (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Family physicians used almost 40% of the consultation time looking at computer media, and depends on age of physician, number of queries, and number of medical appointments.

Cumplimiento de las guías de la Sociedad Europea de Cardiología y morbimortalidad por endocarditis infecciosa / Compliance with the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology and morbidity and mortality from infectious endocarditis

Objetivo. El tratamiento antibiótico recomendado para la endocarditis infecciosa (EI) tiene un nivel de evidencia bajo. Nuestro objetivo fue comprobar si la adherencia a las recomendaciones de la Sociedad Europea de Cardiología (ESC) se relaciona con una menor morbimortalidad intrahospitalaria de la enfermedad. Métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de 162 casos de EI diagnosticados entre 2005 y 2014. Se realizó un análisis de propensity score matching para determinar el efecto del tratamiento en la mortalidad intrahospitalaria. Resultados. No hubo diferencias en cuanto a complicaciones de la enfermedad entre los grupos de tratamiento. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue del 29,2% cuando el tratamiento fue ajustado a las guías, y del 28,2% cuando no lo fue (OR=1,048; IC95%: 0,442-2,484; p=0,916). Conclusión. El uso de las guías de la ESC no parece traducirse en una reducción de la morbimortalidad intrahospitalaria por EI cuando se compara con regímenes de tratamiento antibiótico alternativos (AU)

Objective. The antibiotic treatment recommended for infectious endocarditis (IE) has a low level of evidence. Our objective was to determine whether compliance with the recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) was related to lower inhospital morbidity and mortality for this disease. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted on 162 cases of IE diagnosed between 2005 and 2014. A propensity score-matching analysis was performed to determine the effect of treatment on hospital mortality. Results. There were no differences in terms of disease complications between the treatment groups. Hospital mortality was 29.2% when the treatment was adjusted to the guidelines and 28.2% when the treatment was not adjusted (OR=1.048; 95%CI: 0.442-2.484; P=.916). Conclusion. The use of the ESC guidelines does not appear to translate into a reduction in hospital morbidity and mortality due to IE when compared with alternative antibiotic treatment regimens (AU)

Compliance with the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology and morbidity and mortality from infectious endocarditis.

OBJECTIVE: The antibiotic treatment recommended for infectious endocarditis (IE) has a low level of evidence. Our objective was to determine whether compliance with the recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) was related to lower inhospital morbidity and mortality for this disease. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 162 cases of IE diagnosed between 2005 and 2014. A propensity score-matching analysis was performed to determine the effect of treatment on hospital mortality. RESULTS: There were no differences in terms of disease complications between the treatment groups. Hospital mortality was 29.2% when the treatment was adjusted to the guidelines and 28.2% when the treatment was not adjusted (OR=1.048; 95%CI: 0.442-2.484; P=.916). CONCLUSION: The use of the ESC guidelines does not appear to translate into a reduction in hospital morbidity and mortality due to IE when compared with alternative antibiotic treatment regimens.

Mixing effects in the crystallization of supercooled quantum binary liquids.

By means of Raman spectroscopy of liquid microjets, we have investigated the crystallization process of supercooled quantum liquid mixtures composed of parahydrogen (pH2) or orthodeuterium (oD2) diluted with small amounts of neon. We show that the introduction of the Ne impurities affects the crystallization kinetics in terms of a significant reduction of the measured pH2 and oD2 crystal growth rates, similarly to what found in our previous work on supercooled pH2-oD2 liquid mixtures [Kühnel et al., Phys. Rev. B 89, 180201(R) (2014)]. Our experimental results, in combination with path-integral simulations of the supercooled liquid mixtures, suggest in particular a correlation between the measured growth rates and the ratio of the effective particle sizes originating from quantum delocalization effects. We further show that the crystalline structure of the mixtures is also affected to a large extent by the presence of the Ne impurities, which likely initiate the freezing process through the formation of Ne-rich crystallites.

Glutamatergic Receptor Activation in the Commisural Nucleus Tractus Solitarii (cNTS) Mediates Brain Glucose Retention (BGR) Response to Anoxic Carotid Chemoreceptor (CChr) Stimulation in Rats.

Glutamate, released from central terminals of glossopharyngeal nerve, is a major excitatory neurotransmitter of commissural nucleus tractus solitarii (cNTS) afferent terminals, and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to attenuate glutamatergic AMPA currents in NTS neurons. To test the hypothesis that AMPA contributes to glucose regulation in vivo modulating the hyperglycemic reflex with brain glucose retention (BGR), we microinjected AMPA and NBQX (AMPA antagonist) into the cNTS before carotid chemoreceptor stimulation in anesthetized normal Wistar rats, while hyperglycemic reflex an brain glucose retention (BGR) were analyzed. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, GluR2/3 receptor and c-Fos protein expressions in cNTS neurons were determined. We showed that AMPA in the cNTS before CChr stimulation inhibited BGR observed in aCSF group. In contrast, NBQX in similar conditions, did not modify the effects on glucose variables observed in aCSF control group. These experiments suggest that glutamatergic pathways, via AMPA receptors, in the cNTS may play a role in glucose homeostasis.

Rotational relaxation in molecular hydrogen and deuterium: theory versus acoustic experiments.

An explicit formulation of the rotational relaxation time in terms of state-to-state rate coefficients associated to inelastic collisions is reported. The state-to-state rates needed for the detailed interpretation of relaxation in H2 and D2, including isotopic variant mixtures, have been calculated by solving the close-coupling Schrödinger equations using the H2-H2 potential energy surface by Diep and Johnson [J. Chem. Phys. 112, 4465 (2000)]. Relaxation related quantities (rotational effective cross section, bulk viscosity, relaxation time, and collision number) calculated from first principles agree reasonably well with acoustic absorption experimental data on H2 and D2 between 30 and 293 K. This result confirms at once the proposed formulation, and the validation of the H2-H2 potential energy surface employed, since no approximations have been introduced in the dynamics. Accordingly, the state-to-state rates derived from Diep and Johnson potential energy surface appear to be overestimated by up to 10% for H2, and up to 30% for D2 at T = 300 K, showing a better agreement at lower temperatures.

Technical devices in children with motor disabilities: a review.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of technical devices used in children with motor disabilities. METHOD: A systematic search of CINAHL Plus, EMBASE, PEDro, Cochrane Library, Isi Web of Knowledge and Scifinder Web was carried out, covering the period between January 2000 and January 2012. The inclusion criteria were: (1) Studies involving a minimum of five children (randomized-clinical trials with control group and experimental group, clinical trials without control group and prospective cohort studies; (2) age range, 0 to 18 years. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed by the two authors through the application of the PEDro scale. RESULTS: Of the 59 articles identified by the search strategy, 27 articles were considered eligible. The most frequently evaluated devices were ankle and foot orthoses and the most studied pathology was cerebral palsy. The mean score on the PEDro scale was 6.8. CONCLUSIONS: The methodological quality of studies needs to be improved and more rigorous research designs should be followed that will allow the effectiveness and quality of movement to be assessed. The satisfaction of the patient and family with the devices should be analyzed in future studies.

Endocarditis infecciosa en la Unidad de Medicina Intensiva / Infectious endocarditis in the intensive care unit

Objetivo: Conocer las características, evolución y pronóstico de los pacientes con endocarditis infecciosa que requieren tratamiento en la Unidad de Medicina Intensiva. Diseño: Estudio observacional de cohortes prospectivo en pacientes ingresados por endocarditis infecciosa. Ámbito: Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, centro con 824 camas y población asignada de 493.145 personas. Pacientes: Todos los pacientes diagnosticados de endocarditis siguiendo los criterios de Duke entre el 1 de enero de 2005 y el 31 de julio de 2011. Variables de interés: Variables demográficas, clínicas, scores de gravedad, hallazgos microbiológicos y ecocardiográficos, mortalidad intrahospitalaria y complicaciones. Resultados: De 102 pacientes diagnosticados de endocarditis, 38 (37%) ingresaron en Medicina Intensiva. Comparándolos con los que no lo hicieron, sufrieron con más frecuencia afectación mitral (OR= 7,13; IC del 95%, 2,12-24; p= 0,002) y embolia cerebral (OR= 3,89; IC del 95%, 1,06-14,3; p= 0,041). La mortalidad fue mayor (42,1 vs 18,8%, p= 0,011), así como la proporción de cirugías urgentes (45,8 vs 5,9%, p<0,001). Resultaron predictores de mortalidad la infección por Estafilococo aureus (OR= 3,49; IC 95%: 1,02-11,93; p=0,046), la insuficiencia cardiaca (OR=4,18; IC 95%: 1,17-14,94; p=0,028), el embolismo cerebral (OR= 8,45; IC 95%: 1,89-37,74; p=0,005) y la puntuación en el score SAPS II al ingreso (OR=1,09; IC 95% 1,04-1,15; p<0,001). Conclusiones: Una elevada proporción de pacientes con endocarditis requieren ingreso en la Unidad de Medicina Intensiva, presentando un pronóstico mucho más desfavorable. La infección por E. aureus, la insuficiencia cardiaca, el embolismo cerebral y la puntuación SAPS II resultan predictores de mortalidad intrahospitalaria (AU)

Objective: To study the characteristics, evolution and prognosis of patients with infectious endocarditis requiring treatment in the Intensive Care Unit. Design: A prospective, observational cohort study of patients admitted due to infectious endocarditis. Setting: Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital, a third - level center with a recruitment population of 493,145. Patients: All patients consecutively diagnosed with infectious endocarditis in our center according to the Duke criteria, between 1 January 2005 and 31 July 2011. Study variables: Demographic data, clinical severity scores, microbiological and echocardiographic data, hospital mortality and complications. Results: Out of 102 patients diagnosed with endocarditis, 38 (37%) were admitted to Intensive Care. Compared with those patients not admitted to the ICU, these subjects suffered more frequent mitral valve alterations (OR= 7.13; 95%CI: 2.12-24; p= 0.002) and cerebral embolism (OR= 3.89; 95%CI: 1.06-14.3; p= 0.041). In turn, mortality was greater (42.1% vs 18.8%, p= 0.011), as was the proportion of emergency surgeries (45.8% vs 5.9%, p<0.001). The identified mortality predictors were Staphylococcus aureus infection (OR= 3.49; 95%CI 1.02-11.93; p=0.046), heart failure (OR=4.18; 95%CI: 1.17-14.94; p=0.028), cerebral embolism (OR= 8.45; 95%CI: 1.89-37.74; p=0.005) and the SAPS II upon admission (OR=1.09; 95%CI: 1.04-1.15; p<0.001). Conclusions: A large proportion of patients with endocarditis require admission to the Intensive Care Unit, presenting a much poorer prognosis. Staphylococcus aureus infection, heart failure, cerebral embolism and SAPS II scores are independent predictors of hospital mortality (AU)

[Infectious endocarditis in the intensive care unit]. / Endocarditis infecciosa en la Unidad de Medicina Intensiva.

OBJECTIVE: To study the characteristics, evolution and prognosis of patients with infectious endocarditis requiring treatment in the Intensive Care Unit. DESIGN: A prospective, observational cohort study of patients admitted due to infectious endocarditis. SETTING: Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital, a third - level center with a recruitment population of 493,145. PATIENTS: All patients consecutively diagnosed with infectious endocarditis in our center according to the Duke criteria, between 1 January 2005 and 31 July 2011. STUDY VARIABLES: Demographic data, clinical severity scores, microbiological and echocardiographic data, hospital mortality and complications. RESULTS: Out of 102 patients diagnosed with endocarditis, 38 (37%) were admitted to Intensive Care. Compared with those patients not admitted to the ICU, these subjects suffered more frequent mitral valve alterations (OR= 7.13; 95%CI: 2.12-24; p= 0.002) and cerebral embolism (OR= 3.89; 95%CI: 1.06-14.3; p= 0.041). In turn, mortality was greater (42.1% vs 18.8%, p= 0.011), as was the proportion of emergency surgeries (45.8% vs 5.9%, p<0.001). The identified mortality predictors were Staphylococcus aureus infection (OR= 3.49; 95%CI 1.02-11.93; p=0.046), heart failure (OR=4.18; 95%CI: 1.17-14.94; p=0.028), cerebral embolism (OR= 8.45; 95%CI: 1.89-37.74; p=0.005) and the SAPS II upon admission (OR=1.09; 95%CI: 1.04-1.15; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of patients with endocarditis require admission to the Intensive Care Unit, presenting a much poorer prognosis. Staphylococcus aureus infection, heart failure, cerebral embolism and SAPS II scores are independent predictors of hospital mortality.

Inelastic collisions in molecular oxygen at low temperature (4 ≤ T ≤ 34 K). Close-coupling calculations versus experiment.

Close-coupling calculations and experiment are combined in this work, which is aimed at establishing a set of state-to-state rate coefficients for elementary processes ij → lm in O(2):O(2) collisions at low temperature involving the rotational states i, j, l, m of the vibrational ground state of (16)O(2)((3)Σ(g)(-)). First, a set of cross sections for inelastic collisions is calculated as a function of the collision energy at the converged close-coupled level via the MOLSCAT code, using a recent ab-initio potential energy surface for O(2)-O(2) [M. Bartolomei et al., J. Chem. Phys. 133, 124311 (2010)]. Then, the corresponding rates for the temperature range 4 ≤ T ≤ 34 K are derived from the cross sections. The link between theory and experiment is a Master Equation which accounts for the time evolution of rotational populations in a reference volume of gas in terms of the collision rates. This Master Equation provides a linear function of the rates for each rotational state and temperature. In the experiment, the evolution of rotational populations is measured by Raman spectroscopy in a tiny reference volume (≈2 × 10(-4) mm(3)) of O(2) travelling along the axis of a supersonic jet at a velocity of ≈700 m/s. The accuracy of the calculated rates is assessed experimentally for 10 ≤ T ≤ 34 K by means of the Master Equation. The rates, jointly with their confidence interval estimated by Monte Carlo simulation, account to within the experimental uncertainty for the evolution of the populations of the N = 1, 3, 5, 7 rotational triads along the supersonic jet. Confidence intervals range from ≈6% for the dominant rates at 34 K, up to ≈17% at 10 K. These results provide an experimental validation of state-to-state rates for O(2):O(2) inelastic collisions calculated in the close-coupling approach and, indirectly, of the anisotropy of the O(2)-O(2) intermolecular potential employed in the calculation for energies up to 300 cm(-1).